TBS Crossfire (CRSF) receivers are an integral part of the remote control system for drones and other applications requiring reliable long-range communication. Manufactured by Team BlackSheep (TBS), a leader in the drone industry, CRSF receivers are valued for their stability, range, and low latency. This article explores the features of TBS CRSF receivers, how they work, and why they are a popular choice among drone pilots.
What is TBS Crossfire (CRSF)?
TBS Crossfire is a long-range radio transmission system designed to offer stable and secure connections between a transmitter and a receiver. It’s used primarily in drones but is also applicable to other forms of radio-controlled modeling. The CRSF system operates at lower frequencies than traditional systems, such as 2.4 GHz, to achieve greater range and reliability.
There are three different types of TBS CRSF receivers (Micro, Nano, Diversity); today, we will discuss the differences between Micro RX and Nano RX.
Size and Weight
In the drone world, every gram counts. Whether you are a drone racer, a freestyle enthusiast, or a professional, the choice of radio receiver can significantly affect your drone’s performance. TBS is one of the most renowned brands in the radio transmission sector, and its Crossfire products are widely used for their long-range performance and reliability. Among these, TBS Crossfire Micro RX and Nano RX are two popular receivers. One of the main differences between them is weight. In this section, we will explore the weight differences between Micro RX and Nano RX and how these can affect your choice.
Weight of the TBS Crossfire Micro RX
The TBS Crossfire Micro RX is designed to offer reliable performance in a relatively compact package. The typical weight of this receiver is about 3.2 grams. This makes it light enough to be used in a wide range of drones, from racing drones to general-purpose drones. Due to its size, it also offers a wide range of connection options and better antenna management compared to smaller receivers.
Weight of the TBS Crossfire Nano RX
The TBS Crossfire Nano RX is a more compact and lighter version of the Micro RX. Its typical weight is only 0.5 grams, making it one of the lightest receivers available on the market. This makes it ideal for very small drones, such as toothpick-style drones, micro-drones, and other configurations where reduced weight is essential.
Performance and Range
Choosing the right receiver for your drone is crucial to ensure stable connections and reliable performance. Team BlackSheep (TBS) is a leading brand in long-range radio control systems, and its Crossfire Micro RX and Nano RX receivers are among the most popular on the market.
Performance of the TBS Crossfire Micro RX
The TBS Crossfire Micro RX is designed to offer reliable performance and stable long-range connections. It’s larger than the Nano RX, allowing for greater antenna capacity, contributing to improved signal reception. This makes it suitable for medium to large-sized drones and configurations requiring stability in long-range flights.
Thanks to its slightly larger size, the Micro RX offers more UART ports, allowing additional connections for telemetry, sensors, or other peripherals. It can also accommodate larger and sturdier antennas, further increasing range and signal stability, which is useful in environments with interference or obstacles. In terms of performance and range, the Micro RX is slightly superior, making it ideal for applications requiring greater reliability over long distances.
Performance of the TBS Crossfire Nano RX
The TBS Crossfire Nano RX is an extremely compact and lightweight receiver designed for configurations where space and weight are critical factors. With a weight of only 0.5 grams, it’s perfect for small drones, like micro-drones or racing drones, where every gram counts.
Despite its smaller size, the Nano RX maintains a stable and reliable connection, but its range is slightly lower than the Micro RX due to the limitations in antenna size. However, it offers excellent performance for most short-range applications and can handle mid-range flights without significant issues.
The connection options are more limited than with the Micro RX, with fewer UART ports, but for small drones and standard applications, the Nano RX is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable for racing drones, freestyle, or other compact configurations where lightness and agility are essential.
Configuration and Connections
When choosing a receiver for your drone, configuration and connection options are crucial factors to consider.
Configuration and Connections of the TBS Crossfire Micro RX
The TBS Crossfire Micro RX is designed to offer a wide range of connection options and custom configurations. Its slightly larger size than the Nano RX allows it to house more UART ports and other connection interfaces. This makes it ideal for medium to large-sized drones, where flexibility in configuration is essential.
With more UART ports, it’s possible to connect a variety of peripherals, such as sensors, FPV cameras, telemetry systems, and more. This flexibility is particularly useful for exploration drones or professional applications, where multiple devices need to be integrated.
Additionally, the larger size of the Micro RX allows the installation of larger and more advanced antennas, further improving signal quality and connection reliability. This is especially advantageous in environments with interference or long-range flights where a stable connection is essential.
Configuration and Connections of the TBS Crossfire Nano RX
The TBS Crossfire Nano RX, on the other hand, is designed to be extremely compact and lightweight. While it has fewer ports and connection options compared to the Micro RX, it is perfectly suitable for smaller drones or micro-drones, where space and weight are critical.
Despite its smaller size, the Nano RX maintains a stable and reliable connection, but with fewer connection options compared to the Micro RX. However, for many standard applications, such as racing drones or freestyle, its connection capabilities are more than sufficient.
The Nano RX is ideal for configurations where weight and size are important, such as ultralight drones or projects where space needs to be maximized. Although it offers fewer connection options compared to the Micro RX, for many applications, this is not a problem, and it can be easily integrated into standard configurations.
Conclusions
TBS Crossfire (CRSF) receivers are essential components for ensuring reliable and stable radio connections for drones, especially in applications that require long range and low latency. The choice between Micro RX and Nano RX depends on various factors, including the size of the drone, the required range, and configuration needs.
If your goal is to build an ultra-light or small drone, like a Tinywhoop or a micro-drone, the TBS Crossfire Micro RX might be the best choice. Thanks to its low weight and compact size, it’s ideal for projects where every gram matters and space is limited. Although it has fewer UART ports compared to the Nano RX, the Micro RX still offers solid performance and good range for short and mid-range applications.
On the other hand, if you’re working on medium or large-sized drones, the TBS Crossfire Nano RX might be more suitable. Its greater connectivity capacity, with more UART ports and the ability to use larger antennas, makes it ideal for drones that require more complex configurations and long-range flights. These features make it the preferred choice for configurations that need greater versatility and signal stability.
Moreover, for applications that require even more robust and reliable connections, such as long-range flights or in environments with heavy interference, it may be advisable to opt for the TBS Crossfire Diversity RX. This receiver is designed to ensure maximum signal stability thanks to its dual-antenna configuration, significantly reducing the risk of signal loss.
When choosing the right TBS Crossfire receiver, it’s important to consider your specific needs. Key factors to evaluate include the type of drone you are building, the distance you intend to fly, and the level of customization needed for your setup.
Finally, cost can be an additional element to consider. While the Micro RX is generally less expensive, the Nano RX offers extra features and greater range, justifying the slightly higher cost. However, both options offer the quality and reliability you would expect from TBS Crossfire.
With this guide, you now have a comprehensive view of the differences between the Micro RX and the Nano RX, allowing you to make an informed choice for your drone. Always remember to carefully evaluate your specific needs before purchasing a receiver to ensure it perfectly matches your setup and performance expectations.